Journalists Overcharged for Their Work

A newspaper photographer, one of those capturing the horrors of wars,  has been seriously injured in a roadside bomb attack in southern Afghanistan, according to the Ministry of Defence.

Photo: Journalists Overcharged for Their Work

Philip Coburn, 43, works for the Sunday Mirror and was embedded with the US Marine Corps when the vehicle he was in was hit by a bomb near Nawa in Helmand.

Mr Coburn's brother, Nigel, said he understood his brother had to have one of his legs amputated.

His colleague, Mirror correspondent Rupert Hamer, was killed in the attack.

"One of his legs is broken as far as I know and the other one is amputated under the knee," Mr Coburn said.

He added that his brother, who now lives in London, is to be flown back to the UK on Monday.

The journalists had flown to the region on New Year's Eve for a month-long assignment.

Sunday Mirror editor Tina Weaver said Mr Coburn was a veteran of conflicts in Iraq, Rwanda and Afghanistan and had been with the Sunday Mirror for eight years.

"He is a consummate all-round journalist and brilliant photographer whose pictures grace any newspaper," she said.

"He and Rupert made a dedicated team, working together around the world, sacrificing personal comfort countless times to record the reality of wars.

"We wish Phil a speedy recovery, and send our warmest wishes to his partner and family."

Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth said Mr Hamer and Mr Coburn had accompanied him on his most recent trip to Afghanistan.

"I got to know them well and I was impressed by their hard work and professionalism," he said.

"My thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the families, friends and colleagues of both men at this extremely distressing time."

BBC News has contributed to the report.